The American Red Cross urges caution around the holidays when decorating with candles, cooking holiday meals and driving to and from holiday celebrations. Twelve tips released by the American Red Cross were developed to help Americans prevent injuries or even fatalities during the holiday season.
Beware of holiday lighting: Keep burning candles away from decorations
or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room 
with
lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out
of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near
exits.
Test tree trimmings: Purchase and use only holiday lights labeled by a testing laboratory. Never use candles to decorate Christmas trees. For outside decorations, use only lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't overload electrical outlets and unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never put electrical lights on a metal Christmas tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 600 fires per year are started by ignition of Christmas trees, causing an average of 33 deaths, 117 injuries and $23 million in direct property damage.
Prepare for holiday parties: Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid using candles during parties. Provide large, deep ashtrays for guests who smoke and check the ashtrays frequently. After the party, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
Keep Christmas trees fresh: Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits and water it daily. Artificial trees should be labeled as fire-retardant. If using the fireplace, don't hang holiday stockings.
Inspect fireplaces: Have the chimney inspected by a professional before the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if it is not properly cleaned out. Always use a sturdy screen when burning fires. Remember to burn only wood - never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and ignite a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory and have it installed according to local codes.
Wood stoves: Be sure wood or coal stoves have the label of a recognized testing laboratory and that they meet local fire codes. Follow manufacturers' recommendations for proper use and maintenance. Chimney connections and chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned if necessary. Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as for space heaters. Burn only wood and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals. Be sure to check with the local fire department and check local codes before having a wood stove installed.
Portable
and space heaters: Place space heaters at least 3 feet away
from anything combustible, including wallpaper, bedding, clothing, pets and
people. Never leave space heaters operating when not in the room or after going
to bed. Don't leave children or pets unattended with space heaters and be
sure everyone knows that drying wet mittens or other clothing over space heaters
is a fire danger.
Cooking: Don't wear loose fitting clothing when cooking. It can be ignited by hot burners. Always turn pot handles in. Don't store items on the stove top; they could catch fire. Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition and turn them off after use. Don't overload electrical outlets, and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.
Use a designated driver: When attending holiday parties, always designate
a nondrinking driver. If hosting a holiday gathering, be sure there are nonalcoholic
beverages available for designated drivers.
Wear seat belts: Wearing a seat belt is the easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Insist that all passengers also wear safety belts.
Prepare a winter storm plan: Have extra blankets on hand and ensure that each member of the household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots. Stay tuned for storm warnings by listening to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and local radio and television stations for updated storm information. It's also important to have vehicles winterized before winter-storm season.
Enroll in a first aid and CPR course: Local Red Cross agencies periodically offer first aid or CPR courses. Consider signing up for a class. It could help save a life.
